How to Use a Diffuser on Curly Hair

Hey babes! It’s no secret that a hair diffuser can save your curls… if you know how to use one. I’ve been a fan of this technique for years because it allows me to dry my hair without disturbing my natural curls. Diffusers are awesome on those days when you’re in a hurry and want to achieve maximum volume for your waves, giving the illusion of thicker, fuller hair. 😉

How do you use a diffuser?

So how should one use a diffuser to maximize on the benefits? I’ve learned what works for me and what doesn’t – everyone is different. If you experience a lot of frizz when diffusing, that could be due to using the diffuser incorrectly. Here are some tips from the pros.

If you are new to diffusing, here is how to perfect your technique for voluminous, defined curls. Before you start, make sure you have a diffuser that stays on your hair dryer (many will fall off). I’m also going to link some of my favorites below 🙂

Shower Tip: When conditioning your hair, avoid the roots if you can. Then, run your fingers through your hair until no more tangles. Rinse. (Try to avoid brushing the hair when you get out of the shower. I’ve found that this can ruin the curl’s natural shape/texture.)

1. Apply product: Try not to put more than 3 products in your hair. Let it sit for a few minutes before diffusing. I love putting in a heat protector, light styling cream, and an anti-frizz serum.2. Settings: Set your hair dryer to the medium, low heat setting. Be sure not to over-dry your hair as this will create frizz. I love switching back and forth between cool and low heat until I start to notice my curls are dry and are coming to life.3. Head positioning: Pro’s say for the best results, try hanging your head sideways or upside down (for extra volume) when diffusing. Then, gently place sections of your curls into the bowl of the diffuser.4. Motion: Move the diffuser towards your head to get heat up to the roots. Do not disrupt clumping and curl formation. Also avoid brushing the curls with the diffuser (like it’s a brush), unless you want to soften and reduce the curls a bit.5. For Best Results: Touching your hair as much as you can (reduces frizz). Diffuse in large sections until your hair is 80-90% dry and note that you can scrunch out the crunch with a light curl defining cream after your hair is totally dry. For extra volume, shake out the hair and fluff the roots.

Remember, not all curls are created equal. I’ve learned to embrace your unique texture, waves and try not to be too much of a diffuser perfectionist. Practice makes perfect 🙂